🤠 Cowboy Casserole (Tater Tot Beef Bake)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained (or frozen corn)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles (Rotel), drained
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp chili powder (optional)
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9×13 casserole dish.
2. Cook the beef
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Add onion (and garlic if using) and cook until softened.
- Season with salt, pepper, and chili powder.
- Drain excess fat.
3. Mix the filling
In a large bowl, combine:
- Cooked beef mixture
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Sour cream
- Corn
- Rotel tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
Stir until fully combined.
4. Assemble the casserole
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange tater tots in a single layer over the top.
- Sprinkle with extra cheddar cheese if you want it extra cheesy.
5. Bake
Bake 40–45 minutes, or until:
- The tater tots are golden and crispy
- The filling is bubbling around the edges
If you want the top extra crispy, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
6. Serve
Let rest 5 minutes.
Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.
Serve with:
- A side salad
- Ranch dressing
- Fresh veggies
⭐ Tips
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
- Add drained black beans for extra heartiness.
- Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.
- You can make ahead and bake later.